Silver Eagle Distributors received a check for $267,750 from H-GAC's Clean Cities/Clean Vehicles program. From L to R: Congressman John Culberson, John L. Nau III, President and Ceo of Silver Eagle Distibutors, and Jack Steele, H-GAC Executive Director.

HOUSTON (May 29, 2003) - Silver Eagle Distributors was recognized today at a special event as a Clean Air Leader by H-GAC and Congressman John Culberson (R-District 7) for being the first privately owned fleet in Texas to convert to clean diesel technology. By implementing this technology, the Silver Eagle fleet will reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides released in the air by 8.9 tons annually.

"Silver Eagle Distributors is proud to participate in the valuable Clean Cities/Clean Vehicles program, which is making a significant difference in quality of life for all Houstonians and the overall prosperity of our region," said John L. Nau, III, president and chief executive officer of Silver Eagle Distributors. "When people see the new clean vehicle decal on the front wheel of our trucks, they will recognize that we are using the latest technology to help Houston reach its air quality standards."

Under the Federal Clean Air Act, the Houston-Galveston region has until 2007 to meet the health standard for ground-level ozone smog. Failure to meet this air quality criterion will result in the loss of approximately $1 billion in annual transportation funding, greatly restricting expansion and enhancement of infrastructure in the Houston area.

"Let me assure you that 2007 is a serious deadline and pivotal milestone for this region," stated Congressman Culberson. "It's companies like Silver Eagle, utilizing federally funded programs, such as the Clean Cities/Clean Vehicles initiative, that are helping Houston reach its emissions reduction goal."

Clean Cities/Clean Vehicles is an H-GAC program designed to provide funding and assistance to area businesses and local governments for conversion of their fleets to more environmentally friendly vehicles. As a participant in this initiative, Silver Eagle will receive $267,750, a 75 percent reimbursement of the incremental cost of equipment and technology for the project. Additionally, all of their trucks will be branded with a special logo, designating them as a clean air vehicle.

"Last year, Clean Cities/Clean Vehicles allocated more than $10.5 million to reduce vehicle emissions in the region and build necessary fueling infrastructure," said H-GAC Executive Director Jack Steele. "We want to help local businesses and governmental entities utilize the latest technologies in fuel advancements and emission controls in order to improve the air quality of our region."

Clean Cities/Clean Vehicles is calling for conversion project plans from now through August and then again in October. For information on project eligibility, visit www.houston-cleancities.org.

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